Software
Review of: |
 WinProxy
software provides users with simultaneous and secure Internet access for
multiple PCs through a single Internet connection. In addition to Internet
access, WinProxy offers firewall security, centralized anti-virus protection,
web-site filtering capabilities, and comprehensive caching giving a network
administrator full control. The software comes with a 6 month included
subscription for the anti-virus and site-filtering features. After the
initial 6-month period the user must subscribe with WinProxy to continue
this support. The software version originally provided for evaluation was
WinProxy 2.1 (WinProxy Lite--no longer available) developed for Windows
95/NT. I therefore contacted the manufacturer and they provided me the
current version 3.0 so I could test all the capabilities. This is my first
experience establishing a LAN (Local
Area
Network)
and use of this product.
WinProxy requires installation on only one PC. The PC must be connected to a LAN, but it is not required to be dedicated to solely run WinProxy. The minimum system requirements to run WinProxy are an IBM PC/compatible computer with a 90 MHZ Pentium or better processor running MS Windows 95/98 or greater or Windows NT 3.51 or greater with 32MB RAM. The installation process will load 3MB for WinProxy application files and an additional 3MB for Anti-virus files on to your hard drive. The manufacturer recommends a minimum of a 10MB free disk space for optimal caching and 10MB free disk space for URL filtering. Each computer connected to the LAN must have a Windows 95/98 or NT compatible Network Interface Card (NIC) and one TCP/IP connection of any type
The most difficult part of the process for me was setting up the LAN, i.e., establishing connectivity between the Host server PC and Client PCs. However, "WinProxy.com —Technical Support" site provided detailed information on how to setup a network and the basics. After installing the NIC in each computer it is necessary to configure the cards and select the TCP/IP protocol for the LAN. Once I had the computers recognizing each other as a LAN, I installed the WinProxy software. The software installs using standard Windows installation procedures--then wants to restart the computer. When the computer restarts, you will need to start "WinProxy" after you have established your ISP connection. After starting the WinProxy software, I went through the Install Wizard and reviewed the Show Client Configuration documentation, which are both under the main "File" menu. I was surprised how easy the process went, things were up and running in less than 30 minutes. The intelligent "Install Wizard" walks you through the setup process. It is important to have the IP address of the host PC and each Client PC as well as your ISP IP address/name and your Incoming Mail POP3 (e.g., pop.flash.net) and Outgoing mail SMTP (Standard Mail Transfer Protocol) (e.g., mail.flash.net) server information. The manufacturers web-site has great Technical Support with FAQ and "How to" documentation plus an online users manual to help configure the software. As some readers will recall from July membership meeting (Road Runner Cable Modem), ISPs are developing restrictions on DSL/cable connections to prevent more than one IP address per account. WinProxy software does not violate the ISP policy of one IP address connection restriction since the software operates behind the DSL/cable connection on the host PC. WinProxy uses the same IP address for all connections. The software caching minimizes system bog down
Once the software was installed and configured, the operation was transparent between my machine and my wife's. I was able to check mail and browse the net at the same time she was surfing her favorite sites. I have had the system operating for several days and received no complaints from my ISP even though I am using multiple computers on a single ISP account. Although my requirements are minimal, WinProxy proved to be a highly useful application and easy to install for the average user. I also like the features allowing site restrictions to prevent access to web areas not suitable for children. This software allows maximum use of the ISP account for family members without the added cost of additional ISP accounts. WinProxy software is manufactured by Ositis Software in Pleasanton, California and is available in five user configurations. First, WinProxy (3 users) has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $59.95 and allows all PCs connected to the LAN to have access to the Internet; however, only three (3) PCs may be actively connected at once. The second version, WinProxy (5 users actively connected at once) has an MSRP of $99.95 (available locally at CompUSA for $89.95). Versions 3 and 4 allow 10 and 25 users actively connected at once with an MSRP of $189.95 and $399.95 respectively. The final version, Unlimited User Subscription, has no limit on the number of users that can be actively connected at once for an MSRP of $699.00. All user configurations have free upgrades within 90-days of purchase and come with the same application features i.e., Internet access including AOL; works with cable modem, modems, ISDN and T1-T3, and wireless; firewall security; centralized anti-virus protection; web-site filtering capabilities; comprehensive caching; supports all popular e-mail clients including Eudora and Outlook and multiple mail servers; banner blockers stops unwanted ads from loading; and support e-mail and Web servers located behind the Firewall. Ositis Software
Roger Brickley is a retired Air Force Lt Colonel expanding his computer literacy through trial and error. |